Plot Summary:

Soundtrack for a Revolution tells the story of the American civil rights movement through its powerful music – the freedom songs protestors sang on picket lines, in mass meetings, in paddy wagons, and in jail cells as they fought for justice and equality. Featuring new performances of freedom songs by John Legend, Joss Stone, Wyclef Jean, The Roots, Richie Havens, and others alongside riveting archival footage and interviews with civil rights leaders, the film explores how music enabled African-Americans to sing words they could not say and empowered the community to stand up for their rights. The freedom songs evolved from slave chants, from the labor movement, and especially from the black church. The music enabled blacks to sing words they could not say, and it was crucial in helping the protesters as they faced down brutal aggression with dignity and non-violence. The infectious energy of the songs swept people up and empowered them to fight for their rights.